Funds sought for new unit

By Gary Culliton. St Francis Hospice has made submissions to the HSE for equipping and revenue costs associated with a 24-bed inpatient unit.  Funding for this was not possible through the 2013 Service Plan and budgeting process, but it will be considered as part of the 2014 estimates. The new Palliative Care Unit at Blanchardstown consists of 24 inpatient beds — all of which are single rooms with ensuite facilities — and the opening of the 24 beds in Blanchardstown would bring to 43 the total number of beds for specialist palliative care at the Raheny and Blanchardstown sites. The…